Will Marvel introduce Iron Lad or Ironheart into the MCU?

By Serenity Bishop | Jan 23, 2019

With Marvel Studio’s apparent interest in a Young Avengers project, will the Marvel Cinematic Universe look to include Iron Lad or Ironheart?

There is no secret that the future of Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is looking quite bleak. At the start of the Avengers: Endgame trailer, Tony Stark is stranded on a ship floating through space without any food or water. While it’s highly doubtful that Stark will die in space, it’s generally assumed that he won’t make it out of Avengers: Endgame alive.

Robert Downey Jr. has been around since the very beginning of the MCU, however, it’s not just the fact that he’s been playing Iron Man for the last eleven-years that poses the question of introducing Iron Lad or Ironheart. Instead, it’s a series of rumors that point towards their introduction.

For one, back in Iron Man 3 Tony Stark teamed up with a kid named Harley Keener. When Stark broke into his garage, Keener went to investigate and was stunned by the fact that the intruder was Iron Man. Keener went on to help Stark take down the (fake) Mandarin. However, since the conclusion of Iron Man 3, Harley hasn’t been seen in the MCU.

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Some fans have questioned the importance of having Keener in Iron Man 3 in general. Why give such a big role to a character for only one movie? While the claim is valid, Marvel Studios and Kevin Feige like to play the long game and it looks like Ty Simpkins’ character will finally pay off in Avengers: Endgame. Simpkins has been rumored to reprise his character in the next Avengers movie, but the question is why if there isn’t a bigger purpose. It wouldn’t really make sense.

While Harley Keener differs from the comic book interpretation of Iron Lad, Marvel Studios has changed the identity of multiple characters. Just look at the Winter Soldier now named the White Wolf. Avengers: Endgame could set up Keener as the MCU’s version of Iron Lad and continue Stark’s legacy.

For Ironheart, the situation is much different. Riri Williams possible introduction to the MCU wasn’t stated by Marvel Studios and an actress has not been cast to play her. Instead, a script for an Ironheart movie popped up on The Black List. Some fans have assumed that this was a different tactic used by Marvel to see if their was an audience for that type of movie.

The MCU moving forward is certainly more diverse however, it’s definitely more female. Therefore, a character like Riri Williams would be an interesting take on continuing the Stark legacy.

However, in terms of a character like Riri Williams the MCU already has one in the form of Shuri from Black Panther. Shuri is the smartest person in the MCU and is a great inventor. Also, Shuri has already been cast and fans love Letitia Wright’s portrayal of the Wakandian princess. While Shuri could become the MCU version of Ironheart, the existence of a Ironheart movie script could be something to keep an eye on.

Lastly, what ties all of this together is the fact that Marvel Studios is looking at creating a Young Avengers project. Marvel has hinted at this many times throughout the years. Cassie Lang from Ant-Man has basically said that she wants to grow up and become a superhero. Miles Morales has been confirmed to exist in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Also, Kate Bishop may have already been cast in Avengers: Endgame.

Next. Rumors Suggest Young Avengers. dark

The MCU looks to be gearing up for the youth to take over for the original Avengers. Therefore, a character to take the mantle of Iron Man seems like a foregone conclusion, but who will it be? Iron Lad or Ironheart.